Can You Start Your Umrah Journey by Flying to Jeddah?
There are many Muslims in the UK, and going to perform an Umrah for them is an exciting and spiritual experience. You are allowed to perform Umrah at any time of the year which provides ease for everyone to do it with comfort and devotion. Umrah helps one's relation strengthen their faith with Allah (SWT). People often ask if they can begin their Umrah trip by flying to Jeddah. Yes, you can, and in this article, we will cover this in depth.
Why Select Jeddah as Your Starting Point for Umrah?
Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia. Imagine a city of modern skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, green parks, and huge shopping centers. It has everything that you’ll love! Additionally, King Abdulaziz International Airport is a key hub—one of the largest and busiest in the nation—providing many services for pilgrims from around the world.
Securing Your Flight to Jeddah for Umrah
Direct flights to Saudi Arabia are considered the best option because:
They will allow you to reach Jeddah much faster than the ones with layovers. Booking or reserving flights early can provide you with the best prices and avoid any late inconveniences. Following these tips allows you to perform Umrah with ease and comfort. If you for some reason direct flights are unavailable then the preferred option is a flight with one-stop, they are best compared to flights with two or three stopovers. By planning you can make sure your Umrah journey goes smoothly.
Preparing for Your Umrah Journey
Here are some guidelines to consider before beginning your Umrah journey to ensure you can perform it comfortably and with concentration:
- Visa Requirements for Umrah: Check visa requirements on the Saudi website and apply for them. Remember the requirements for pilgrims are set by the Saudi Government that you have to follow.
- Health Precautions for Umrah: Make sure to check for any travel advisories for the area you are heading towards – it could have mandatory vaccinations too. It is always wise to pack some medication and even a basic first aid kit for good measure.
- Travel Insurance for Umrah: On the other hand, pick out travel insurance that helps with health problems, potential delays, and any other issues that may arise.
- Packing Essentials for Umrah: If possible, try to pack as lightly as possible but do not forget to carry key items including a change of clothes, a prayer mat, appropriate attire, and religious books.
Arriving in Jeddah for Umrah
As soon as you land at the Jeddah airport, many of the services that extend a helping hand to the pilgrims await you. The airport staff is experienced and is more than willing to help the Umrah passengers. You can use taxis, buses, or private vehicles to get to Mecca, which is not farther away than 70km.
Beginning Your Umrah from Jeddah
As soon as you enter Makkah after traveling from Jeddah, it becomes a spiritual journey and you have to begin Umrah rituals. There are four important Umrah rituals:
Ihram: It involves making the Niyyah and wearing specific garments before reaching the Miqat point.
Tawaf: After Ihram, when you enter Masjid al-haram you have to circle the Ka’abah in anti-clockwise direction seven times.
Sa’ee: It is performed in remembrance of Hajer (R.A) searching for water for his baby Hazrat Ismail (A.S). You have run between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times back and forth.
Halq or Taqsir: This is the last step of Umrah and you have to shave your hair or cut a portion of your hair.
Tips for a Smooth Umrah Journey
Follow these tips to make your journey much easier and be able to perform Umrah rituals with dedication. Increase your knowledge about the Umrah to avoid any mistakes while performing its rituals and drink plenty of water while in Makkah or during Umrah rituals to avoid dehydration due to extreme hot temperatures & May your Umrah is Blessed!
Source: https://www.labbaikhajjumrah.co.uk/flights-to-jeddah/
